Why France’s Moussa Sissoko is exactly the right man to prove the critics wrong

France’s Moussa Sissoko is the man to prove to his critics wrong (Picture: AP)

During France’s drab 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Wednesday night, Gary Lineker tweeted what a lot of people would have been thinking.

‘Deschamps must really detest Nasri if Sissoko gets in ahead of him,’ remarked the BBC World Cup presenter as Sissoko toiled manfully up and down France’s right wing. However, Lineker later deleted the tweet, probably having second thoughts about the comment.

Okay, so Sissoko may not be everyone’s cup of tea – but is it really that surprising the Newcastle United midfielder has worked his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans?

In France’s last two matches, the 24-year-old former Toulouse man has shown exactly why he was taken to Brazil ahead of arguably more gifted players.

Sissoko was unexpectedly picked ahead of the more naturally gifted Paul Pogba but let no-one down in France’s 5-2 win over Switzerland.

Playing as part of France’s midfield trio in a 4-3-3, Sissoko’s athleticism and energy were crucial in the way France dominated the game.

The question now is: is Sissoko ready to be more than a bit-part player for France?

He also showed the confidence he’s playing with at the moment by scoring France’s fifth goal with a beautifully-directed first-time right-foot shot across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.

Then, against Ecuador, Sissoko demonstrated his adaptability and tactical discipline by producing a muscular display on the right-hand side of France’s three-man attack.

Can anyone complain about Sissoko’s contribution so far? I don’t think so.

All successful World Cup squads need players willing to do the dirty work, follow team orders and slog away in the shadows.

Deschamps knows this better than anyone, of course – he was one of those players.

The Newcastle United midfielder settled effortlessly into Les Bleus’ set-up on and off the field (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

What you get from Sissoko is 100 per cent commitment every time he takes the field and – unlike Nasri – a character that isn’t considered a threat to squad unity.

The question now is: is Sissoko ready to be more than a bit-part player for France?

Having started France’s last two games he’s in a strong position to start against Nigeria in France’s last 16 clash on Monday.

So let’s not denigrate him; let’s celebrate him. Players like Sissoko are what successful World Cup teams are all about.